Page 53 of Impeccable
“Shall we venture into the club? Ada is returning today, isn’t she?”
Allowing her shoulders to relax with relief, Evie went to the door. “Yes, they got to town yesterday. She sent me a note.”
“Splendid. I’m sure Max is terribly excited to attend the Lords when it opens in a few days.”
“Terribly.” Evie flashed a smile as Lucien opened the door for her. They went to the members’ den, which was on the same floor as Lucien’s office, and chatted with several members. Lucien ended up speaking with someone at length, and Evie made her way to the library, where their closer friends tended to congregate, particularly on Tuesdays.
Ada and Max were there, and Evie rushed to embrace her friend. Then she did the same to Max, who’d learned to accept the demonstrative affection of Ada’s friends, who were really more like her family since she didn’t really have one.
“How were your holidays in Oxfordshire?” Ada asked.
“Pleasant, but I missed London.”
“You always do.” Ada leaned close and whispered. “I do too.”
“I heard that,” Max said. “You come once a month. At least. And now we’re here for the bloody Season.”
“Your lack of enthusiasm is palpable,” Evie said cheerily. “At least you have a wonderful wife to care for you.”
“That I do.” His gaze moved lovingly over Ada, who stood at his side.
“How are things at Stonehill?” Evie asked.
“Absolutely brilliant.” Max beamed at his wife. “Thanks to Ada and Mrs. Tallent.”
Mrs. Tallent had been a widowed tenant and was now the steward. Ada was always singing her praises.
Lucien came in then, and they all spoke for a few minutes before the men broke off to have drinks. Evie and Ada left the library to go down to the ground floor. They liked to walk about the club on Tuesday evenings to ensure everything was running smoothly.
After speaking with the head footman positioned in the dining room, they moved on to the gaming room, which was quite busy. Evie noticed Lady Dungannon, another of the patronesses on the opposite side of the room. She wasn’t playing but was watching her husband.
“Let us speak with Emma,” Evie said, referring to Lady Dungannon by her first name, which the patronesses typically used among themselves. “I have a proposition.”
Ada blinked at her. “You do?”
“Lucien and I were discussing how Millie is becoming a bit of a nuisance.” Millie was Lady Hargrove. Evie kept her voice low so they would not be overheard. “I suggested adding a fifth patroness.”
Ada’s eyes lit with understanding. “That may provoke her to resign.” She was quiet a moment, her eyes moving over the gaming room. Then she smiled and refocused on Evie. “What about Lady Edgemont?”
Evie drew in a breath. “Brilliant. Lord Edgemont’s title is old and revered, and he’s quite wealthy. Lady Edgemont also comes from a pedigreed family. They are highly respected, and their invitations are sought after. Millie sees her as a rival. But will she leave, or will she be driven to prove she is a better patroness?”
Ada snorted. “I’ve sensed her growing frustration. If she’s uncomfortable enough, she’d surely leave, wouldn’t she?”
“Doubtful,” Evie said with resignation.
“Pity. Shall we?” Ada started toward Emma, and Evie followed.
In her late forties with auburn hair and bright blue eyes, the petite Emma possessed a level head and a considerate nature. Her husband, an Irishman, was known for having a bit of a temper, but his wife kept him in hand for the most part.
“Good evening, ladies,” Emma greeted them. “This is the busiest Tuesday we’ve had in some time. Because everyone’s back for Parliament, I suppose.”
“Yes,” Ada agreed. “That is why my husband is here. I also needed to check in on the club, and he’s usually kind enough to accompany me.”
“He can’t do without you, more like it,” Emma said with a soft laugh. “We can all see the way he looks at you.”
A faint blush tinged Ada’s cheeks. “I am very fortunate.”
“If you’re going to converse, move away,” Lord Dungannon grumped.
